Dance
- Department Theater, Dance and Film Studies
- Academic Division The College
- Offerings Minor
Through the dance minor, 91传媒 become well-versed in critical analysis and learn to view the world from multiple perspectives. They perform with the award-winning W&L Repertory Dance Company, participate in all aspects of productions, and enjoy opportunities through classes in dance history, composition, analysis and design, among others.
Dance
W&L Dance 91传媒 become a community of leaders and form a fellowship of integrity grounded in the respect for lifelong learning and creativity. Graduates are expressive individuals who contribute to the world with a unique and individual voice grounded in compassion and forged in mutual respect.
Through the study of the practice and history of theater and dance, 91传媒 develop aesthetic appreciation for art and culture, learn flexible problem-solving methods, acquire diverse communication skills and employ creative collaborative processes.
Opportunities
The award-winning W&L Repertory Dance Company is hailed as a company of outstanding artistic excellence by the American College Dance Association. The company performs two fully produced concerts annually on the Keller Theatre stage, as well as a Spring Term aerial concert. Featuring internationally acclaimed faculty and guest artists’ choreography, the company provides 91传媒 with the opportunity to expand and diversify their dance experience by working directly with professionals in the field.
W&L Dancers Create is an annual fall concert that fully integrates 91传媒’ choreography, performance and design work featuring pieces in classical and contemporary ballet, modern, aerial dance, jazz and theater dance, as well as native dance forms such as classical Indian and Chinese dance.
Company trips to perform at arts festivals and concerts have included New York City; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Williamsburg, Virginia; Wilmington, North Carolina; Galway, Ireland; and the International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The American College Dance Festival is a four-day conference of performances, workshops, master classes and panels taught by instructors from around the country. Choreography and performances are adjudicated by nationally recognized dance professionals to support and promote dance within universities.
News
鈥淰ertical Dance鈥 will run May 22-23 and is the culmination of the four-week Spring Term aerial dance class.
The award-winning ensemble鈥檚 performances will run April 9-11 and feature works created by nationally renowned choreographers.
The W&L Repertory Dance Company鈥檚 performances will run Oct. 31 through Nov. 2.
The article 鈥淥rganic Dance Designs鈥 tells the story of the theatrical work of Frank Lloyd Wright鈥檚 Taliesin Fellowship.
Misha Lin 鈥25 is taking her dance education to the next level this summer with intensive aerial dance training, finishing with a two-week international festival in August.
In this month鈥檚 episode, professor Davies talks of creating and building W&L鈥檚 dance program to be a place where preconceived notions dissipate and the liberal arts education flourishes.
The former executive director of ArtPower at the University of California, San Diego will begin his new role in July.
The award-winning ensemble鈥檚 performances will run March 14-16.
The W&L Repertory Dance Company鈥檚 alumni-student dance performance in New York City鈥檚 Center for Performance Research returned after a four-year hiatus.
The New Zealand-based choreographer will teach a master class for the campus community on Jan. 30.
The W&L Repertory Dance Company鈥檚 performances will run Nov. 30 through Dec. 2.
The W&L Repertory Dance Company will perform 鈥榃&L Dancers Create鈥︹ on Nov. 3鈥5.
Sample Courses
At W&L, we believe education and experience go hand-in-hand. You鈥檒l be encouraged to dive in, explore and discover connections that will broaden your perspective.
Aerial Dance Techniques
This course examines a unique array of techniques from across the aerial arts and a diversity of experimental approaches to movement in the air. The history of the form as well as lineage of style and current techniques are expressed through lecture, studio work, required readings and videos, masterclasses, performances and written responses.
Meet the Faculty
At W&L, 91传媒 enjoy small classes and close relationships with professors who educate and nurture.
Jenefer M. Davies
Department Head, Theater, Dance and Film Studies; Professor of Dance and Theater
- P: 540-458-8281
- E: daviesj@wlu.edu
Davies teaches courses on contemporary European dance, dance composition, movement for actors and aerial dance techniques. Her research focuses on modern dance composition and the feminine aesthetic.
Owen Collins
Professor of Theater
- P: 540-458-8003
- E: collinso@wlu.edu
Collins teaches courses on stage craft, special effects, performance design, 3D printing for theater, and scene painting/art. His research focuses on new media and technology in contemporary theater practice.
Liza Deck
Adjunct Professor of Dance
- P: 540-458-8281
- E: deckl@wlu.edu
Deck earned her MFA in dance from Arizona State University after attending Hope College, where she received the Florence Cavanaugh Dance Award. She has performed and choreographed professionally with numerous organizations and is currently the head of City Modern Ensemble. She teaches Modern Dance and Musical Theatre at W&L.
Shawn Paul Evans
Professor of Theater
- P: 540-458-8014
- E: evanss@wlu.edu
Evans teaches courses on the fundamentals of theater, stage management, digital production, lighting and dance production. He has researched theater technology, including automation and motion control.
Jemma Alix Levy
Associate Professor of Theater
- P: 540-458-8005
- E: levyj@wlu.edu
Levy teaches courses on acting, directing, Shakespeare and theater history. She is a professional director with critically-acclaimed national and international credits, and for 10 years ran Muse of Fire Theatre Company.
Stephanie Sandberg
Associate Professor of Theater/Film
Sandberg teaches courses on screenwriting, documentary filmmaking and an ethnographic study of modern-day slavery in Ghana. Her current research focuses on theater for social justice.